Page 8 of Locke

“I just want you to know I appreciate this shit, Locke. I made the right fuckin’ choice patchin’ you in as VP. I know I did.”

“I think so too. And I appreciate the words, but this is what we do, brother. No need for the thanks.” He nods his head once more before he stands and walks around the desk. I do the same, standing to my feet when he pulls me in for a hug.

“Tell them we’re cookin’ out this weekend. We need some fun and a little welcome home party for Kiki.”

“I’ll let them know,” I tell him as he pulls away. I turn on my heel and walk back out of his office and down the steps into the main room.

“Hey Duke, you hear we’re cookin’ out this weekend?”

“No one tells my old ass nothin’ around here.” I chuckle and shake my head.

“Well, we are. Get your grill ready; I’m only eatin’ your ribs.” He nods his head and gives me a salute as I walk into the kitchen.

“You cookin’ for everyone?” I ask Missy, one of the club girls.

“Hell no. You know where the stove is.” She snaps at me.

“Damn, girl. That time of the month?” She flips me off as I laugh and grab some stuff from the fridge to make a sandwich. I eat quickly and put my shit away before walking back into the main room.

I see Remy in the corner and stroll over, taking a seat next to him. I hold my hand out for a cigarette when he looks at me strangely.

“Thought you quit?”

“I did,” I reply, sliding one out of the pack and lighting it up.

“What’s goin’ on?”

“Nothin’. Just havin’ some thoughts is all,” I tell him. He nods his head, knowing not to ask because I won’t tell, but the thoughts of her burn through me like a fucking wildfire. I can’t stop them. I can’t make them go away. Nothing can.

“We all have a past, Locke.”

“I know, but mine needs to stay dead,” I tell him. “You hear we’re cookin’ out this weekend?”

“No shit? Been a while since we’ve done that. Maybe Missy will bring some friends. We need some new ass around here,” he says with a laugh.

“You need some new ass. I’m content,” I tell him.

“With Missy?”

“Hell no. With nothin’. I haven’t touched one of these girls in months.”

“Your cock broke?”

“Nope. Just don’t see anything I like at the moment.”

“Somethin’ is wrong with you then, brother. Ginger is lookin’ good as hell these days.”

“You’re right. She isn’t bad.”

“This all about what’s fuckin’ around in that head of yours?”

“I think so. It’s stressin’ me out, Remy. I can’t fuckin’ think straight. It’s that time of the year, though.”

“I get it, brother. I’m still here if you need to get it off your chest. Just like always.” I nod my thanks as I inhale nicotine into my lungs.

We both look up to see a pissed Gunner stomping down the stairs and grabbing a drink.

“What’s with him?” Remy asks.

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